Anna Kendrick: 10 Times She Proved She’s Way More Than a Comedy Star
Anna Kendrick has proven herself to be one of Hollywood’s most versatile and captivating actresses since her film debut in 2003’s “Camp”. From her breakout role in “Up in the Air” to her memorable performances in the “Pitch Perfect” franchise, Kendrick has consistently brought depth and charm to every character she portrays. In her latest endeavor, she not only stars in but also produces “Another Simple Favor,” a campy thriller available on Prime Video that is a sequel to “A Simple Favor” from 2018. Here is our list of Anna Kendrick’s 10 best performances.
1. “Camp” (2003)
“Camp” is a 2003 musical comedy-drama that follows a group of teenagers at a summer musical theater camp as they navigate teenage struggles. Anna Kendrick plays the role of Fritzi, a talented and ambitious young performer who grapples with her own insecurities while vying for the spotlight and attention. Kendrick’s performance showcases her early talent and passion for musical theater, setting the stage for her future success in the industry.
2. “Twilight” Franchise (2008-2011)
The “Twilight” franchise is a series of five movies based on the book series by Stephenie Meyer, focusing on the romantic relationship between a human, Bella Swan, and a vampire, Edward Cullen. The franchise was a major pop culture phenomenon in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Anna Kendrick plays Jessica Stanley, a high school classmate and friend of Bella. This bolstered Kendrick’s film career and gave her a look at big major commercial successes.
3. “Up in the Air” (2009)
“Up in the Air” is a 2009 film directed by Jason Reitman who is best known for directing “Juno” and “Saturday Night”. The film stars George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, a corporate “downsizer” who travels extensively for work and struggles with personal connections. Kendrick plays Natalie Keener, a young, ambitious employee who challenges Ryan’s way of life and introduces a more efficient approach to their work. Kendrick’s role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, showing her growth in the film industry.
3. “Pitch Perfect” Franchise (2012-2017)
The “Pitch Perfect” franchise is a series of musical comedies that began with the first film in 2012, directed by Jason Moore. It follows the story of the Barden Bellas, an all-female a cappella group, as they navigate finding their identity. The films are known for their catchy musical performances, humor, and strong ensemble cast. Anna Kendrick stars as Beca Mitchell, a talented but reluctant member of the Bellas who brings a fresh perspective to the group. This was seen as Kendrick’s global breakout and solidified her status as a leading actress in Hollywood. “Cups”, a song from the first film reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100.
4. “Into the Woods” (2014)
“Into the Woods” is a 2014 musical fantasy film directed by Rob Marshall, based on the Broadway musical by Stephen Sondheim. The story intertwines various fairy tales, including those of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack and the Beanstalk, exploring themes of desire, consequences, and the complexities of adult life. Anna Kendrick plays Cinderella and received acclaim for her performance. The film was named one of the best films of 2014.
5. “The Accountant” (2016)
“The Accountant” is a 2016 action thriller directed by Gavin O’Connor, starring Ben Affleck as Christian Wolff, a highly skilled accountant with autism who works for dangerous criminal organizations. Anna Kendrick plays Dana Cummings, a junior accountant who becomes entangled in Christian’s world when she discovers discrepancies in financial records. While a sequel titled “The Accountant 2” is in development, Anna Kendrick will not reprise her role as Dana. However, the director is actively in talks with her returning for the third film.
6. “Trolls” Franchise (2016-2023)
The “Trolls”franchise is an animated series that began with the film “Trolls” in 2016, directed by Mike Mitchell. The story follows the colorful, joyful Trolls who live in a vibrant world and their quest to rescue their friends from the gloomy Bergens, who want to capture them for their happiness. Anna Kendrick voices Poppy, the optimistic and adventurous leader of the Trolls. Kendrick’s performance includes several musical numbers. The franchise includes “Trolls”, “Trolls World Tour”, and “Trolls Band Together”, further expanding the colorful universe.
7. “A Simple Favor” (2018)
“A Simple Favor” is a 2018 mystery thriller directed by Paul Feig, based on the novel by Darcey Bell. The film follows Stephanie, a mommy blogger played by Anna Kendrick, who befriends the glamorous and enigmatic Emily, portrayed by Blake Lively. When Emily suddenly goes missing, Stephanie becomes embroiled in a web of secrets and lies as she seeks to uncover the truth. The sequel, “Another Simple Favor” is currently streaming on Prime Video.
8. “Alice, Darling” (2022)
“Alice, Darling” is a 2022 psychological thriller directed by Mary Nighy. The film follows Alice, played by Anna Kendrick, who finds herself in a psychologically abusive relationship. As she grapples with her partner’s controlling behavior, Alice embarks on a trip with friends to escape and regain her sense of self. Kendrick’s performance received widespread acclaim, with many critics praising her ability to convey the complexity of her character’s emotional turmoil. This role is often cited as Kendrick’s greatest role of her career and showed a different side to the actress.
9. “Woman of the Hour” (2024)
Anna Kendrick makes a powerful directorial debut with “Woman of the Hour”, a gripping true-crime drama based on the disturbing case of serial killer Rodney Alcala. Kendrick stars as Cheryl Bradshaw, a contestant on The Dating Game who unknowingly chooses Alcala as her match. Praised for its tense atmosphere and sharp feminist perspective, the film premiered to acclaim on Netflix. Critics have applauded Kendrick’s performance and confident direction, calling it a standout debut that redefines her career.
10. “Another Simple Favor” (2025)
In “Another Simple Favor”, Anna Kendrick returns as Stephanie Smothers, the overly eager mommy vlogger-turned-true crime author, in one of her most delightfully offbeat roles to date. Reuniting with Blake Lively’s dangerously chic Emily Nelson, Kendrick once again shines as the anxious, wide-eyed foil to Lively’s glam chaos. Set against the backdrop of a lavish Italian wedding, the sequel dials up the dark comedy, mystery, and couture drama — and Kendrick matches it beat for beat with her signature blend of awkward charm and razor-sharp timing. It’s a role that perfectly captures her range, from deadpan humor to nail-biting suspense.
From musical powerhouses to emotionally raw performances and sharp comedic turns, Anna Kendrick has built a career defined by versatility and wit. Whether she’s stealing scenes in “Pitch Perfect”, breaking hearts in “Up in the Air”, or navigating true crime chaos in her directorial debut “Woman of the Hour”, Kendrick consistently brings depth and charisma to every role. Her latest, “Another Simple Favor”, now streaming on Prime Video, proves she’s still full of surprises — and having more fun than ever doing it.
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